Thoughts from my latest reading and excursions to Civil War battlefields.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Hope for the Sesquicentennial

Discussions of the upcoming sesquicentennial of the Civil War have been overshadowed by concerns that cash strapped states may scale down or even scrap commemorative plans as a result of budgets constrained by the recession. At least two states have managed to develop web sites for their sesquicentennial programs despite trying times.

I stumbled across North Carolinas site while searching for information on the Burnside Expedition in 1862. The site includes a chronology of the various campaigns in the state, a number of historical articles, maps by Mark A. Moore (these are first rate), and a list of events planned at various state historic sites. Definitely worth a look, and a great effort that other states ought to take note of. Visit the site at www.nccivilwar150.com/default.htm.

Virginia has also cobbled together an impressive site, though it seems much of the content is in development. Clicking an interactive map opens a list of events, both historical and current, for a given county, though this section needs quite a bit more work. The state has involved local round tables in the planning stage, and as Governor Tim Kaine is a staunch supporter of Civil War battlefield preservation, it is safe to assume Virginia’s commemorative programs will be substantial. Virginia’s site is http://www.virginiacivilwar.org/index.php.

Hopefully more states will follow suit with their own sesquicentennial programs. Bills have been introduced her in Maryland to establish a commission, but support may be lacking. Let’s hope Maryland’s lawmakers have the foresight to look beyond the current budget crunch and plan a meaningful program. If nothing else motivates them, perhaps the thought of increased tourism may spur them to action.

Currently Reading

Readers familiar with the extensive series of essay compilations on the Civil War's eastern campaigns will welcome this first of a new series of volumes focusing on the war in the West, edited by Steven E. Woodworth. The work includes contributions from several notable historian, covering themse ranging from the leadership of Albert Sidney Johnston to the role of the gunboats Lexington and Tyler in the battle.

The varied subjects in this volume are essential reading for students of Shiloh. Timothy B. Smith's analysis of the story of the Hornet's Nest suggests the importance of this aspect of the battle has been over-emphasized. Woodworth himself works through the confusion of Lew Wallace's march to the battlefield, and demonstrates that while Grant and his aides may not have rendered the details with complete accuracy, Wallace displayed a surprising lack of urgency in his movements. The other essays in this volume offer equally compelling perspectives on this famous contest between the western armies.

About Me

Sites of Note

This site provides near comprehensive coverage of a minor engagement of the Civil War. Resources include and overview of the battle, official reports, maps - including a Google Earth view with a troop movement overlay, and a virtual tour.